Gotham City
Wayne Manor (Rachel's Guest Room)
6:17 A.M.
Rachel was busy packing. She had gotten no sleep the night before, her mind was racing. In truth, her mind hadn't settled at all since Dick sent out the call to the other Titans the day before. She couldn't believe what had happened, to Bludhaven, or the call going out to the other Titans. That part of her life was over, she was no longer Raven of the Teen Titans. Now, she was just plain old Raven. She accepted it, made her peace with it. Or so she had thought. Now, she was being pulled back in, and part of her was torn.
"The Titans? Reformed? Will the others come? Will they really go to Jump City? Did they even hear the call? That part of our life is over. We've all moved on, become different people… Does the promise each of us made still mean something?"
Her hair was still wet from the shower. She had gotten up early knowing Dick wanted to get to Jump City as quickly as possible. Her backpack was sitting on the bed with folded clothes next to it. Her body still ached from the events of Bludhaven. Her joints hurt and she didn't quite have the strength or endurance she normally had, but she felt closer to normal by the day. Rachel began putting the folded clothes into her bag, she yawned.
"Damn. Still didn't get any sleep. I feel sluggish."
Rachel heard her phone vibrate and saw the screen light up. She reached over and checked it. The phone showed notifications from Bludhaven; news reports on casualties, theories about how or why the city was destroyed, interviews from survivors and updates on the health of survivors. She shook her head and threw the phone back on the bed.
"Lies!"
She began zipping up her bag when there was a knock on the door. She recognized it instantly; it was the way Grayson always knocked. He always knocked with his index finger knuckle in three quick hits. She finished zipping her bag.
"It's open, Dick!"
Rachel turned and faced the door as Dick entered. He looked better than he did when he first awoke yesterday. He looked stronger, like he could support his own weight. However, he hadn't fully recovered, she could tell his movements weren't as smooth as they usually were. She could see him favoring one leg over the other. He was carrying a sort of black briefcase with a Wayne Enterprises logo on it. He walked across the room. She smiled at him.
"Hey, glad to see you up. How are you feeling?"
He stretched his neck and rolled his shoulders.
"Like a corpse. Joints are heavy, everything aches. No strength and I feel sluggish. My head is pounding, and I can't seem to shake this feeling off."
Rachel rolled her eyes.
"You died, Dick. It's going to take a while for you to be back to normal."
Dick became agitated.
"I don't have 'a while' to recover. I need to be at my best. If I feel like this, my speed, agility, strength will be off. That's a liability. To me, and my allies."
Rachel's voice was stern.
"You can't expect your body to just go back to normal like nothing happened. You may be damn near the best athlete on the planet, but you're just flesh and bone. Your body needs time to recover."
Dick dropped his head.
"I know but…"
He shook his head like shaking away bad thoughts. He picked his head up and immediately changed his behavior. He became his normal self again.
"Anyway, got a surprise for you!"
Rachel glared.
"You know I HATE surprises."
She emphasized the word 'hate' when she said that. Dick just smiled.
"Yeah, you keep reminding me."
He placed the Wayne Enterprises container down on the end of the bed and motioned to Rachel with a nod.
"Come take a look at this."
She looked at the container Dick placed on the bed. He placed his hand on what looked like a small, rectangular T.V. screen built into the container. She watched as a single beam of light went from his palm to the tips of his fingers and back again; it was scanning his handprint. After the scan was completed, the screen lit up green and there was a quick beep. She heard the electronic locks disengage. Dick opened the lid of the container and reached in for its contents. He pulled out what looked to be a black and indigo piece of clothing and placed it on the bed. Rachel's eyes scanned it. Her body language never betrayed her. She looked at Dick.
"Okay. And?"
Dick was confused.
"What do you mean 'and'? I got you a new kit. Suit included."
She glared at Dick. After all, she despised change and surprises.
"What's wrong with the old suit?"
Dick smirked.
"Just answered your own question, Rae. It's old. Antiquated. Low tech. Virtually no protection. Suited for the person you used to be, not the person you are."
He continued to smirk.
"Besides, you and I both know that your current suit is the one you wore back as a Titan. And its snug… In places…"
He eyed her from head to toe. She knew he was looking at certain assets and body parts. She rolled her eyes and glared at him.
"And I'm sure you've noticed just how 'snug' it is in those places."
She looked down at herself.
"I guess I have grown in the last five years…"
She looked back up at him, glanced at the piece of apparel on the bed, then back to Dick.
"Okay, what am I looking at? Walk me through it."
Dick's eyes lit up. She knew he loved talking about his toys and gadgets.
"Right."
He picked up the piece of apparel.
"This is the torso part- "
Rachel examined it. It was ever so slightly reflective, or maybe shiny, dark indigo, with a single strip of black, about as wide as her abs, running vertically up the center until it got to her chest. Then the black strip jutted out instantly for an inch and a half before turning sharply back in its original position until it ended at the edge of the material. The piece itself was a halter top with a tiny skirt at the bottom that ended just below her butt.
"- it's made of the same material as my suit. Polymerized titanium Kevlar weave with Nomex fabric."
He looked at her like a kid in a candy store, just talking about tech made him excited.
"Soft, light, flexible. Completely resistant to all small arms ammunition. Flame-resistant, high-temperature resistant fiber that will not melt, drip, or support combustion of any kind while in an oxygen rich environment. So basically, anywhere on Earth."
He handed it to her. Rachel felt the material herself. He was right, soft, light. It would give her protection from gunfire without sacrificing speed or flexibility. She grunted, not betraying a single emotion.
"Hm. Indigo. My favorite color."
The center of the torso stopped right at the breast plate, revealing just ever so sightly the top of her breasts. The shoulders were completely exposed meaning full range of movement, but vulnerable. Dick reached in for the next item. He pulled out a thigh high combat boot with small heels. Then another. He placed them on the bed with the other pieces. They were also black, except for the very top where there was an upside-down V cut. Indigo lined the V parts at the top. Also, the feet were indigo in color except for the soles and heels themselves which were black. There was padding around the knees that were built into the boots themselves. Dick continued to explain.
"Boots. Same material as the torso. Obviously, same specs as well. Light, flexible."
He pulled out another boot and handed it to her. Rachel eyes it with a smirk on her lips. Dick pulled out the next piece, sleeves. They, of course, were also black. To match the rest of the suit, they also had a single indigo strip at the top. The next item came out.
"Tights. Or leggings. They go on first. Still resistant to ammunition, but slightly less protection than the torso to maintain flexibility and limit weight. Separate from the suit and boots to maintain flexibility that would be lost with one solid piece. Used to protect the thighs and other gaps not covered by the torso or boots."
Dick pulled another item from the container.
"Sleeves, gauntlet's, arms, whatever you call them. Same material as the rest."
She examined the sleeves. They started at the top of the biceps and had a built-in glove to protect the hand. The glove part was cut off at the knuckles to expose her fingers. The thumb was also exposed. He pulled out the matching left one but instead of handing it to her he held it in his hands.
"Now, the best part."
He flipped it to the underside and showed her a small button located between the thumb and index finger.
"Press this button here… And…"
The underside of the left gauntlet lit up, then a holographic display emitted from a small screen.
"Holographic interface via hard suit computer located in the base of the sleeve. Links to the laptop Batman gave you when you joined the Bat-Family. If the batcomputer can do it, your laptop can do it. But on a slightly smaller scale. Access to the national criminal database, Wayne Tech systems and satellites. Access to the Augmented Reality investigation program I've been working on. All investigative filters like thermal, DNA, Infrared, night-vision, etc. Communication to the batcomputer and all members of the Bat-Family."
He looked away, slightly embarrassed. Then back to her.
"Also, it's synced to my suit."
Rachel looked at him.
"Wait, synced to yours? Meaning?"
"Meaning, you can track my location. Have access to telemetry data in my suit such as vitals or other data. Access to my body cam located in my mask."
Rachel was stunned, he was trusting her with all the data from his suit.
"You're giving me access to all that?"
Before he could answer he pulled out the next piece. This one she couldn't tell what it was. It was a small black case. Looked like it held earbuds or something. He placed it on the bed.
"This one is special, experimental technology still in the trial phase. AR contact lenses. Since you don't wear a mask like Bruce or I, you need some way to switch filters in vision, or to see the AR mode. These, will allow you to do that."
The next item was pulled from the container. This one, she knew immediately what it was. A gold belt with red gems.
"Your belt that you seem to be fond of was also overhauled. The gems you used from Azarath weren't readily available for Lucious, so he replicated them as best he could from other material. But now you have pockets for things you feel you'll need in your kit. Also, a holster. For these…
He pulled out two black escrima that looked almost identical to the ones he used. Instead of the blue at the tips like the ones he carried, these were indigo. Rachel's eyes went wide.
"You- You're giving me twin escrima? Like you use?"
Dick smiled.
"I saw the security footage from Arkham of you using the stun baton on a few inmates. In the event where you can't beat an opponent in hand to hand, or with magic, these are your fallback plan. Here's hoping you won't need them but, you never can be too prepared."
He picked up her belt again.
And…"
He found a certain red gem he was looking for. He pressed the inside of the belt that the red gem sat on. The gem opened revealing a lockpick and a small receiver.
"In the event that you're captured or missing. Injured. Or can't respond in any way and the Psy-Link fails us for whatever reason, short range radio receiver. Press this, and if I'm in range, I'll hear it and know you're close. Then I can track you."
Rachel quipped.
"Wait, you're giving your girlfriend a tracking device? Do you know how creepy that sounds?"
Grayson just ignored her as he pulled out the last and final item.
"And the last part of your kit."
He placed an indigo cloak on the bed. The tip of the hood was angled into what looked like the beak of a raven. Angled just enough to shadow her upper face and hide her identity. The front of the cloak was covered with what looked like black feathers.
"The cloak. I know how you wouldn't be able to live without one, so I also updated it. Same materials as Batman's cape, only lighter. Offers the same protection as the rest. Now, what appears to be feathers, are independently moving pieces of Kevlar weave. Helps with balance keeping the cloak from shifting while covering the shoulders in a neutral standing position. The clasp is once again, a synthetic material designed to look like the gems from Azarath and houses a body cam and links to your communicator. It will flash red in the event of an emergency broadcast or code black. Also looped in the frequency we used as Titans. So, if anyone puts out a call from that channel, it will also flash red."
Dick closed the briefcase and locked it. He looked at the equipment that was lying on the bed.
"Now for the technical stuff. The suit is made with photosensitive fibers throughout that will trap light rays and keep them from escaping. Meaning, on a moonless night or in a darkened room, you will appear nearly invisible. Also, the suit is electrically and thermally insulated. It will ground electricity and prevent body heat from escaping and appearing on thermal sensors."
Before Rachel could respond, Dick pointed to the torso.
"And in case, you have to slug it out with a kryptonian, tameranian, or other super powered being of equal strength, armor plates can be added to strategic areas of the suit for added protection. They're heavy and slow you down but add durability and kinetic dampening."
Rachel looked at the new gear. She couldn't believe what was in front of her, a suit with the latest and most advanced technology available. She wasn't sure how to respond.
"Dick… This is… Are you sure all this is necessary? I appreciate the gear and all, but it all seems a bit… much?"
Dick just smiled.
"Look, I know you don't like gifts or surprises. I'm just trying to help protect you. When we were Titans, your suit was basic, but it worked. Now, you are going up against villains that even The League struggles with. And if Slade does have an army, you'll need this."
Rachel looked at the gear again. He was right. Why was he always right? Dick nodded to her gear.
"I don't have powers like you Rae. Just the skills, training, and the education Bruce gave me. Part of the reason Batman is so successful is because of the technological advantage he has. It gives him an edge over most of his enemies. Same situation applies here."
She looked down and sighed.
"I hate it when you're right…"
Dick just smirked.
"I know. Just one of the many ways I enjoy annoying you. You're cute when you get annoyed."
She punched his arm. She felt him recoil from the hit more than he should have. She knew he was still weak. Rachel glared.
"I don't blush. You're going to have to try a lot harder than that to get a reaction from me."
He smiled.
"I know. It's still fun to annoy you though."
He turned on his heels.
"Anyway, when you're done packing meet me in the cave. If I'm not there I won't be long. Need to arrange a few things with Bruce."
As he got to the door, she called out for him. Her voice was commanding.
"Stop. We need to talk. About Bludhaven…"
She hesitated.
"And us…"
Dick stopped and dropped his head. Then exhaled.
"I knew this was coming."
He turned to face her, a serious look on his face. He walked farther into the room.
"Okay… How much trouble am I in for that stunt back in the 'Haven?
Rachel stepped toward him. She exhaled, like she was trying to stay calm and control her emotions.
"Look… I get it, okay? I understand why you did what you did. Bludhaven was your city, your crusade, your home for the last seven years. You had a life there, friends, a career. You gave that city everything you had. And you died for it. I understand that. But that doesn't mean I'm okay with what you did. With what happened."
Dick looked at her.
"I know. But it was my choice. I made the decision. I couldn't let that city be your end too. Not like that… You are destined for better things. Besides…"
He smiled that damn smile at her. The one that made her forget her worries. The one he made as Robin when they were teenagers. The one that made her melt every damn time.
"If I have to make a choice between my life and yours, I'll choose yours every time."
Raven began to get annoyed.
"That's the problem! You still don't value your own life! You still don't care if you live or die! You still don't understand how your death would affect me! I SAW YOU DIE! It's okay for me to not be okay with that! I told you I would follow you to Valhalla. I told you 'My life, for yours' do you have any idea how hard it was for me to say that? To let you in?"
"I couldn't ask you to stay behind. It was my choi- ".
"No!"
She snapped at him.
"That's not your decision. It's my life! And I would rather die with the only man I've ever loved, with the one person who means more to me than all the realms themselves, the ONLY person on this thrice damned plane that truly understands me, than to leave him behind! To live without him! Without you, I'm lost. I'm nothing without you."
Dick didn't know how to respond. He had never heard her speak this way, with this much emotion. He tried to find the words but couldn't. She had caught him off guard, rendered him completely speechless. Not something anyone could do. She continued.
"I have chosen YOU, Richard Grayson. And I will follow you to the end. YOU are my destiny."
Dick looked concerned, worried.
"And if I lead you down the wrong path?"
She smiled.
"Then I will steer you back onto the right path. And continue to be at your side forevermore."
He smiled.
"Okay, dammit. You win."
She got an icy stare again.
"Look, I want this to work… I want you… I want US to work… For that to happen, there can be no more secrets or half-truths, no more not telling the whole story. NO. MORE. LIES."
He looked away, unable to face her gaze. That only made her more annoyed.
"Promise me Grayson…"
No answer.
"PROMISE ME!"
This time he turned his head and looked into her violet eyes.
"I promise, Rae. No more secrets. No more lies between us."
Her icy gaze instantly changed to relief, then happiness. She took his hands in hers. Then pressed his forehead against hers.
"You are my destiny. My life, for yours."
She ran her hands through his hair. Then released him from her grasp. Dick looked at her.
"Now, finish packing and meet me in the cave. Alfred, Bruce and the others want to see us off. I've still got some logistics to work out with Bruce."
He turned on his heels and strode out of the room and down the hall. Rachel turned and looked at the new suit and other gear scattered over her bed. She couldn't help but smile to herself.
Gotham City
Bat-Cave
7:30 A.M.
Rachel stepped out of the elevator that led into the cave. Rachel had her bag thrown over her shoulder and was fully packed and ready to head to Jump City. 1She could see Dick and Bruce talking near the center of the cave. Alfred, Barbara, and the other members of the Bat-Family stood nearby. As Rachel approached, she could make out their conversation.
"- coordinating with Lucius. You'll have your supply drop by the time you arrive at the safehouse in Jump City. The remaining supplies you requested will be delivered by drop tomorrow morning."
Dick nodded.
"Thanks, Bruce. For everything."
Bruce nodded.
"If you need any other resources, let me know. Even if it's reinforcements. I, and the others, will be standing by ready to assist in any capacity necessary."
"Appreciated Bruce. No offense, but let's hope it doesn't come to that. Slade is the responsibility of the Titans. It's our fight."
Rachel approached the two of them and added to the conversation.
"We should have ended this fight almost a decade ago. This time. WE. WILL. END. IT."
She looked to Dick and nodded, reinforcing his comment. He looked at her.
"Hey Rae, good timing as always. All packed? Ready to head out?"
She nodded again.
"Yeah, all set. Ready to follow your lead. As ever."
Dick smiled.
"Good."
Dick walked over to Alfred and the others. Rachel followed closely behind.
"Alright, we're off. Thank you, all of you. For your support."
Katie nodded.
"Of course, Dick. We'll always be here for you. For any of us."
She looked at the family members around her. Jason just grunted and feigned uninterest. Tim walked over to Dick.
"Stay safe out there. Watch each other's back- "
He looked at Rachel.
"- and take care of each other."
Rachel smiled.
"We will, Tim. Thanks."
Tim looked back at Dick.
"If you need me, just call. I can be there in less than a day."
"You got it."
Dick turned to Jason.
"Jason."
"Dick."
"Look, I know we don't always see eye to eye, but we're brothers. If you ever need anything, even if it's just to vent. You know how to reach me."
Rachel looked at Jason.
"Or me."
Jason looked at Rachel and nodded. Then looked Dick in the eyes, and then Rachel.
"Yeah. Same goes for me."
Then Jason smiled while massaging his knuckles. He looked at the two of them.
"And if you ever need an extra hand at wiping the arrogant smug off that bastard's face. I'll be there."
Alfred approached them.
"Well, you two, pleasant travels."
Dick reached out and hugged Alfred.
"Goodbye Alfred. Keep an eye on everyone for me, would you?"
Alfred hugged back.
"Of course, Master Dick."
Dick released Alfred.
"And make it double for Jason."
Dick through a head in his direction.
"He'll get even MORE grumpy without my constant charms."
Jason just grunted and mumbled under his breath.
"Smug asshole…"
Dick just smiled at Alfred.
"See? Just like that."
Alfred grinned ear to ear.
"For you, Master Dick? Anything."
Alfred turned towards Rachel.
"And you, Miss Roth. Look after our dashing rogue, will you? And be the anchor he needs. Help shoulder the burden he so selfishly takes all on himself. And stand at his side as he leads the Titans to glory."
He outstretched his hand for her to take. Rachel looked at his hand. As she was about to take it something came over her. She reached out and hugged Alfred tightly. She whispered to him.
"Thank you, Alfred. For everything…"
Alfred could tell she was on the verge of tears. She knew she should have more control than this, to be stronger than this. But something came over her. Alfred whispered back before her composure completely faltered.
"Of course, Master Roth. Now, no tears girl. Wouldn't want the others thinking the brave, tough as nails, woman who raised her voice to Batman himself has a soft side. Why, the very fabric of time would shatter at the thought of it."
Rachel smiled and held back the tears with a laugh.
"And we wouldn't want that."
Alfred looked to see Richard grinning. The others were shocked to see her hugging him.
"Now, Master Roth, I'm not accustomed to saying such vulgarities, but in this case, I will make an exception…"
Alfred smiled.
"I want you to put your boot to his ass. As many times as it pleases you."
Alfred released her from his grasp. She stood back next to Dick with a grin.
"Count on it."
Rachel felt Dick's gaze on her. She turned to him. He spoke through the psy-link.
"That was unexpected."
She shrugged.
"For you and me both."
Rachel could see Dick and Barbara constantly making glances at each other. She knew those glances. There were words unsaid between the two, they were trying to find the right time to say them. Dick looked at Rachel.
"Give us a minute?"
Rachel nodded.
"No problem. Take all the time you need. Say what you need to say."
He nodded and walked over to Barbara who had moved far enough away from the group that their words could not be heard. He kneeled to her level.
"You okay, Babs? I haven't asked how you're handling all of this. I know Bludhaven… wasn't easy."
"I'm managing Dick… I just… I'm sorry… I didn't want us to end up this way."
He smiled. He spoke to her softly, intimately. Like he did their first night together. Like he did at Bludhaven before he dropped the earpiece and cut contact with her.
"I meant what I said back there. In Bludhaven. Every word."
Barbara met his gaze, tears rolled down her eyes.
"I know. Me too. God… I should have listened all those years ago. Our history… And the things I said…"
Dick placed his hand in hers.
"Hey, I told you, I forgave you a long time ago. We were different people then. Younger. Had a lot of pent-up emotions. It just happened to bubble up."
She exhaled and tried to fight back more tears.
"I just… I wish we could have had a second chance. Or, I guess it would have been our fourth chance."
"Yeah. But at least we gave it hell."
Something came over Barbara. Her emotions hit her hard and she couldn't control them. Something told her she needed this. She put a hand on the back of his neck; next thing she knew, her lips were on his. She expected him to pull back or resist. Only he didn't. He returned her kiss; it would be their last. After a brief exchange, she released him. Again, she expected him to be angry, he just smiled as she looked into his blue eyes. He hid his smile with a serious look.
"So, you and me? We good?"
Barbara nodded.
"Yeah, we're good."
Barbara looked past his ear to see Rachel. She had done her best to give them the privacy they needed, but subtly watched them out of the corner of her eye. Barbara whispered in his ear.
"Don't you dare break her heart Richard Grayson…"
Dick smirked and whispered back.
"Yes ma'am."
Dick stood.
"If you ever need anything. And I mean, ANYTHING. I'll be there in a heartbeat. "I'll always love you, Babs."
Barbara hid her face. She didn't want the others to see her tears.
"Ditto."
She wiped away her tears and looked at him.
"Goodbye Dick. I'll always cherish our nights together."
Dick stood and walked back over to the others. Rachel quickly found her way to his side. She spoke through the psy-link.
"What was that?"
He looked back in Barbara's direction before answering.
"Nothing. Just saying goodbye."
Rachel smiled.
"I understand."
She couldn't be mad at either of them after their kiss. She knew their history, their feelings for each other. If anything, she felt slightly guilty for taking him away from her. But she knew they had their chance. It was her turn to have a chance with him. Dick walked over towards Bruce. Rachel was about to follow but her gaze turned towards Barbara. Her mind raced. She needed an answer to what had happened between them. She walked over to Barbara.
"Hey Barbara… Listen, I know it's none of my business but- "
Barbara stopped her.
"You want to know what happened between us? Why things got tense?"
"Yes, I do. I know I probably shouldn't ask but- "
Barbara stopped her.
"Look, it's okay. Really. Everything you've done, pulling Dick out of that dark place he was in, you deserve to know. If nothing else, you can avoid making my mistake."
Barbara looked away and swallowed hard. She turned back to Rachel.
"It was six weeks after he came back to Gotham. I was dating a cop from the precinct; he seemed like a nice guy. Couldn't have been more wrong."
Gotham City
Barbara's apartment
Six weeks after the Teen Titans disbanded
Barbara was sitting in her wheelchair at the kitchen counter drinking her coffee. She was looking at evidence and photos spread out on the counter. Grayson had collected it over the last few weeks. There have been twenty-one disappearances in Bludhaven over as many weeks. All the bodies washed up on Gotham's shoreline. Dick's evidence pointed that the cop Barbara was dating was involved in the murders or made evidence related to the murder disappear. Grayson was pacing back and forth as Barbra looked at the evidence. Barbara was seething with anger. Her frustrations at him leaving without saying goodbye years ago, and then suddenly showing up expecting them to pick up where they left off were all out in the open.
"Dick, this evidence is circumstantial at best! It proves nothing!"
"Come on Babs, you're just making excuses because you don't want to face the truth. That cop is dirty! Corrupt up to his eyes. Exactly the kind of cop Gordon worked so hard to keep out of the GCPD."
She turned to him.
"What the hell are you doing?"
Dick was confused.
"What? I don't- "
Barbara crossed her arms.
"You know what I mean, don't try playing innocent. What angle are you trying to play here?"
Dick was caught off guard.
"What angle Barbara?! I have no idea what you're talking about! I'm just trying to protect you!"
Barbara raised her voice again; insulted.
"I don't need protection! I can handle myself!"
Dick's voice lowered to a submissive tone.
"Barbara, you're paralyzed…"
She was even angrier.
"Yeah, and? Does that mean I can't handle myself? If you're about to tell me I can't look out for myself or manage on my won because of this damned chair, then you can go to hell!"
Dick tried to recover.
"What? No! Of course not. That isn't even close to what I mean. I'm just trying to- "
Barbara was enraged. She was shaking with anger. She was yelling.
"To win me back?! Trying to make me leave him for you?!"
Dick was stunned.
"No! Absolutely not! I Just… I want what's best for you!"
Barbara continued to yell.
"Best for me?! Or best for you?!"
Dick was confused.
"I'm lost…"
Barbara fully lost her temper.
"What did you expect to happen here, Dick? You come here, show me evidence that is circumstantial at BEST, that the cop I'm dating has ties to the Bludhaven underworld, and what? Then leap into your arms like a trained dog?"
Dick's eyes went wide.
"NO! That isn't- "
Barbara erupted with rage.
"You come back after all these years and expect things to go back the way they were! You LEFT! NEVER EVEN SAID GOODBYE! I had to find out from Bruce the next day that you had just decided to leave! WE COULD HAVE TALKED ABOUT IT! I WOULD HAVE UNDERSTOOD!"
Dick argued back.
"IT WASN'T LIKE THAT! I was fired! Just because I took a bullet! All the training, the lessons and skills, and he just decides to forbid me from being Robin! I FELT LOST! BETRAYED! BY THE ONE PERSON I TRUSTED MOST!"
Barbara challenged him.
"And so, you ran away and decided to hook up with that… that… 'GOTH' girl!"
Dick was speechless. He never told Barbara about HER. How did she even know? He was angry. SHE was a sensitive topic to him.
"How… How did you…?"
"You don't think Bruce wouldn't have kept me updated on what you were up to? OR WHO?! I know all about it!"
Dick turned his head and swore under his breath.
"Bruce you bastard…"
He looked at Barbara again and defended himself.
"It wasn't like that! We agreed to keep things professional! It was easier for us, and the team!"
Barbara shook her head and exploded with rage.
"I don't know what's worse! The fact that you tried to replace me with some… demon half breed BITCH! Or the fact that you're trying to replace her with me, because you didn't have the balls to ask her to come with you!"
Dick didn't say a word while Barbara continued to vent.
"I'm not some 'SIDE CHICK' like Raven was. I'm not a rebound girl that's just going to jump in your arms! You can't just come back after all these years and expect us to pick up where we left off!"
Dick didn't say a word. He clenched his fists so tightly his nails bit into his hands and drew blood. He glared. There was a fire in his eyes. His voice was low, cold. He spoke with almost an emotionless tone that terrified Barbara.
"Fine. I tried. When you become his next victim, I won't be there to save you."
Dick turned and walked out of the kitchen. A few seconds later Barbara heard the door to her apartment open and close. He was gone. Barbara slammed her fist onto the counter.
Gotham City
Bat-Cave
7:45 A.M.
Rachel was speechless. She didn't expect an argument like that between the two of them. They seemed so close.
"Wow… Just, wow…"
Barbara looked away.
"Yeah…"
"Sounds like it was a pretty intense fight. No wonder the two of you were on bad terms for a while."
Barbara shook her head.
"I should have listened. I shouldn't have been so damn angry. I just… He left without a word. To anyone. I was affected by that more than I should have."
Rachel looked to Dick who was over by Bruce.
"Yeah, I know how you felt."
She looked back to Barbara.
"When did you find out the truth?"
Barbara looked at her hands and played with a nail.
"About a month reeled me in with a date. When I showed up, he drugged me. I woke up in an abandoned warehouse."
Rachel looked at Barbara.
"How did you make it out?"
Barbara threw her head in Dick's direction.
"Richard. He was surveilling me for a month. Every time I left the house he was watching from the shadows. Not once did I even see him. But that night… That… psycho put a knife to my throat. He knew a firearm could be traced. Then came Nightwing. Crashed through a window, tackled him to the ground and began to just unload everything he had on the guy."
Barbara looked at Dick.
"For a minute there, I thought he was going to kill him. When it was all over, he didn't even say a word. Just called Batman, told him where I was and left. Didn't hear from him again for almost a year."
Barbara looked at Rachel.
"That's the whole story. Now you know."
Rachel didn't know what to say.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know things had gotten that intense."
"Don't be. You deserved to know."
"Barbra grabbed Rachel's hand and looked into her eyes. Rachel flinched. Her first instinct was to pull away. She never liked people in her personal space or touching her. But she didn't. She knew she could trust Babs.
"Don't make the same mistake I did."
Rachel smiled.
"I won't."
Barbara glanced at Dick then looked back at her.
"Keep an eye on him for me, yeah?"
Rachel smiled.
"Now, and forever."
Barbara moved her hand away. Rachel saw tears starting in her eyes and decided to lighten the mood. Try to do what Grayson always did. She had a coy smile on her face and looked at Barbara.
"So, I'm a 'demon half-breed bitch' huh?"
She shrugged.
"I've been called worse by Terra on a good day."
Barbara couldn't help but laugh.
"Good to know you're not offended."
Rachel smiled again.
"See you around Babs. Stay in touch."
Rachel walked back over to where Dick was standing. Dick nodded as she approached.
"Listen before we go, I have something I need to say."
He looked at Bruce.
"You weren't the perfect father but that's okay because, probably nobody's a perfect father. No family's perfect, either. I was lucky. I was privileged. Not because of the big house and the money, but because you gave me a lot of yourself. You taught me, you showed me, you encouraged me, you never lied to me and you never demanded that I be anything I'm not. I didn't imitate you because you insisted that I do so, but because I wanted to. Of all the men I knew, you were most worthy of imitation. Then I blamed you for letting me be who I was. Pretty dumb."
Bruce was stunned.
"Dick, I don't- "
Dick put a hand up cutting Bruce off.
"Hold it. I've got one more thing to say. You and Alfred gave me a home and you gave me what we don't mention. The L word. You were the best damn family I could have had. So, thanks."
Alfred smiled. Bruce reached out and hugged Dick tightly.
"It has been my honor."
Bruce released him. Dick nodded and turned toward the elevator to leave. Rachel approached Bruce.
"Thank you, Bruce. For welcoming me, bringing me into your family, the equipment. For everything."
Bruce nodded.
"You'll always have a home here with us."
She smiled and turned to leave. She felt Bruce's tight grip on her wrist. She stopped and looked at his hand then to him. Bruce returned her gaze, glanced at Dick, then back to her. He lowered his voice to a whisper.
"If Dick becomes obsessed, relapses into that dark place or gets injured. Anything happens, you let me know."
Rachel nodded.
"I promise."
He released his grasp on her wrist and watched as the two of them headed for the elevator. He called out to them.
"When your business in Jump City is done. When the city is safe and Deathstroke is behind bars, I expect both of you back in Gotham, safe."
Dick smiled as he reached the elevator. Rachel just grumbled.
"Haven't even set foot out of the cave and he's barking orders?"
Dick smiled wider as they entered the elevator.
"That's just Bruce's way of saying he cares and to come back home safe."
Rachel looked Dick.
"He could just say it then."
The elevator lurched into motion and began to climb out of the cave. Rachel again looked to Dick.
"Wait, so how are we getting to Jump City exactly?"
Dick just smiled.
"Bruce's private jet."
Rachel just shook her head.
"Of course, we are…"
Gotham City
Gotham International Airport (Private Hangar)
8:37 A.M.
Dick stepped out of the new model bright red Ferrari he had taken from the garage at Wayne Manor. They had pulled into Bruce Wyne's private hangar and could see his jet just in front of them. Two men stood in front of it. One was the pilot; it was obvious from what he was wearing. The other man was a valet, he was wearing a suit. Rachel delicately closed the door to the Ferrari; she didn't want to leave a handprint on the car.
"Are you sure Bruce isn't going to miss the car? I mean, it's a FERRARI!"
Dick just smirked while walking to the plane.
"He did say to take anything we wanted."
He shrugged.
"Besides, it's not his car."
Rachel looked at him then pointed to the car with her thumb over her shoulder.
"Wait, you mean to tell me the Ferrari is yours?!"
Dick shrugged.
"Sure is. Can you see Alfred driving that?"
They approached the plane. The valet approached Dick. He bowed then outstretched his hand.
"Mr. Grayson, it's been quite some time. Not often you need my services.
Dick shrugged.
"What can I say, I don't get out much."
The valet smiled.
"Not nearly as much as Mr. Wayne at least."
Dick held up the key fob to the Ferrari.
"She's all yours."
The valet took the fob and smiled.
"Yes, Mr. Grayson. The car will be in Jump City and ready for pickup by the end of the week."
He bowed politely and walked to the car. He opened the door and got into the driver's seat. The engine started and the valet backed out of the hangar and drove down the tarmac. The pilot motioned to the jet.
"We're all set for departure. I have already completed pre-flight checks and we can take off immediately."
Dick nodded and looked to Rachel.
"Well, Rae?"
She had a concerned look on her face.
"Are you sure you're ready to leave Gotham? It is your home."
He smiled.
"Gotham will always be my home. And it will be here waiting for us when our mission is done."
She grinned.
"Ready when you are."
Dick stepped toward the jet.
"Jump City calls."
Jump City
Jump City International Airport
2:17 P.M.
Rachel walked down the stairs and off the plane. Dick followed behind her. She walked out of the hangar and looked up at the sky. She turned and saw Dick with his phone out. He thumbed something and slid his phone into his back pocket. She threw a bag over her shoulder.
"You hear anything from Vic? Or the others?"
He shook his head.
"No. I checked the old comm channel we used as Titans when we landed. Nothing."
"Well, let's hope they got the call."
Rachel turned and faced Dick.
"So, where we headed? Straight to the tower? I saw it when we flew in."
"In a bit. We have a stop to make before heading to the Tower."
"Sounds good. Where to?"
Jump City
Downtown (Robin's former safehouse)
3:21 P.M.
Dick stepped out of the taxi he and Rachel had called from the airport. Rachel exited from the other side. Dick handed the driver a hundred-dollar bill.
"Keep the change."
The driver looked at the bill and his eyes went wide.
"Hey, thanks mister!"
The driver opened the trunk and Rachel pulled their bags out and sat them on the sidewalk. She closed the trunk and tapped on the rear quarter panel of the taxi signaling she was done. The taxi drove down the street toward its next pickup. Rachel looked at the building in front of her. It was a three-story brick townhouse with a garage attached to it. It sat between a café and a theater. It blended in with its surroundings and nobody would suspect its true purpose. It looked completely unassuming. Rachel picked up her bag.
"Why here? I don't get it."
Dick smirked and picked up his bag and threw it over his shoulder. A few people passed them on the street or sat at the café tables outside on the sidewalk. Without a word, and his trademark smirk, he walked up to the door of the building. A few of the café patrons watched them and whispered.
"I didn't know anyone lived there!"
"I haven't seen anyone enter that house in years!"
Rachel followed behind Dick. He walked up the three stairs to the front door. There was a small panel next to the frame of the door. Dick opened it. Rachel could see an electronic scanner hidden within. He pulled out his phone and thumbed it a few times. He then held the phone up to the electronic scanner and the light flashed green and a beep. Rachel heard what sounded like a heavy electronic lock release. Dick opened the door and stepped into the building. Rachel entered behind him and looked around. It looked like a normal home or apartment someone would live in. There was an open kitchen, living room with a few chairs, a couch and teevee. A few paintings and posters filled the walls. There was a steel staircase that twisted and led to a loft on the upper level that housed a bedroom. Rachel looked to Dick.
"A safehouse?"
Dick just smirked.
"I had to get all my gear and gadgets from somewhere."
"I had no idea this place was even here!"
Dick walked to the far wall and found a breaker box. He opened the front panel and began flipping switches. The safehouse came to life as it powered up. Rachel watched the lights come on. Dick closed the panel on the box and looked at Rachel.
"All those nights I disappeared, and you wondered where I went? When you called my communicator or called out through the psy-link. All the hours you spent searching the city for me on those nights. I was right here."
Rachel looked at him.
"I must have passed this building countless times when I looked for you."
He had a far away look on his face. He looked away.
"When the doubt set in, or the dark thoughts. When the obsession set in. When I needed to be totally alone… This is where I was."
Before Rachel could comfort him or respond, Dick shook the thoughts away.
"Speaking of which…"
He pulled out his phone and thumbed it a few times. Rachel felt her phone vibrate in her pocket and her text notification sounded. She pulled it out and looked at the screen. Dick had sent her a message. She opened it and saw it was encrypted. She decrypted the file. Dick smiled.
"RFID key. If you have your phone on you, you can access the safehouse."
Rachel looked at the phone screen and smiled. She held up the phone and showed the screen to Dick and quipped.
"So, is this your way of subtly asking me to move in with you? Are we at that stage already?"
Dick smirked.
"Haven't you already been living with me since I found you in that alley in Bludhaven?"
"Samantics, Grayson!"
He turned towards a door in the safehouse and motioned to Rachel.
"Come on."
She followed behind as he opened the door and walked through it. They entered the garage. Rachel saw the Wingcycle parked in the garage as well as Grayson's black Ducati she had driven to Arkham just under a week ago. She also saw all four walls of the garage lined with gadgets and supplies that Nightwing needed for his outings. She touched one of his escrima on the wall.
"Wait, none of this was here when you were Robin. So how…?"
Dick examined the Wingcycle.
"I coordinated with Bruce and Lucius after I sent out the call. They had a supply drop, and all this delivered earlier. Another one will be here tomorrow with the remaining supplies. Including a Batmobile."
Rachel shook her head.
"How the hell do you get a Batmobile here?"
Dick walked to the Ducati and felt the tires. He was checking the tire pressure.
"With the Batwing and stealth technology. Have it delivered at two A.M. with as little light as possible."
Out of the corner of her eye something grabbed her attention and she turned to it. She saw half a dozen Nightwing suits hanging on the wall. Only they looked different. They weren't the suits she was used to seeing and approached them. She placed a hand on the chest of one of them.
"You updated your kit…"
Dick stood up and looked in her direction.
"Yeah. Haven't updated it since I first became Nightwing. It was time. Your new suit was based off the ideas for mine."
Rachel looked back at the suit. It had multiple pieces so each part could move individually. The bird on the front of the suit had been updated. The torso was more of a vest this time around. A higher collar to protect the neck. A zipper was hidden underneath the bird symbol, and the untrained eye could never see it. The boots looked more athletic this time around, almost like running trainers for max flexibility. The blue highlight of the suit had also changed, it was no longer the dark blue she was used to. Now it was a brighter electric blue color. The gauntlets had holographic display technology built into them. Rachel removed her hand from the suit.
"I like the color."
She turned and walked towards Dick. She saw that he had finished his checks. He looked at her.
"You ready to head to the tower?"
She nodded.
"Let's go."
Dick and Rachel climbed onto the Ducati. The garage door opened, and Dick drove out into the street with the door closing behind them. A few people watched them and did a doubletake as the Ducati drove past them. Rachel pulled out her phone and checked the traffic on their route. She tapped his shoulder.
"Hey. Accident on the main route to the tower. I'd take the long way."
Dick nodded.
"Was planning on going the long way already. Want to see the sights. See what's changed. Maybe see if our old haunts are still around."
"Sounds good."
Dick drove through Jump City and they both looked around to see what had changed. Buildings remained but the restaurants or stores they knew had changed hands. They drove past the mall and saw that it had been expanded. New buildings had gone up in empty lots. Dick sped around a corner and couldn't contain his excitement.
"Hell yeah! Our pizza place is still there!"
Rachel looked left and saw the pizza joint and smiled.
"After all these years and it's still there… Wonder if Laura is still running the place. She must be in her sixties by now…"
Dick continued driving through the city. They crossed into the area where their final battle with Deathstroke and H.I.V.E. had been. The last time either of them saw that area. Rachel had destroyed three blocks of buildings with her outburst of anger. She had let nothing but rubble in her wake. Now, it has been rebuilt. New buildings and stores lined the area. Rachel avoided looking around, she didn't want to remember what she became that day, what she did. Dick comforted her.
"What happened here wasn't your fault, Rae. You weren't in control."
She felt anger.
"Exactly. I let 'HER' out. I faltered. I couldn't keep the blood from overtaking me. The chaos of battle fueled 'HER'. Who knows how many I killed in that blast…"
Dick stopped her.
"We evacuated the area. Everyone made it out."
"How do we know?! You saw the reports on that final death toll! How many people were here when I- "
Dick cut her off.
"DON'T! Do not ask that question. After Bludhaven, I know what lies down that rabbit hole. Don't do that to yourself. Let it go."
She nodded quietly and tried to shake the question from her mind. They pulled up to a traffic light at the main square. She looked left and swore at what she was looking at.
"Fuck! Seriously?!"
There, in the middle of the main square, was a bronze statue of the letter T in a circle. The engraving on it read 'Remember the Titans' in large letters. Grass and well-maintained flowers surrounded the statue. Bouquets leaned against its pedestal. Lights shined on the statue to illuminate it at night. Poems or thank you letters also cluttered the area around the statue. There was a plaque on the base with an inscription on it. Rachel read it out loud.
"This statue honors the Teen Titans and their valor and sacrifice during their final battle. The Teen Titans defended Jump City and all its citizens. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for their service and bravery in battle. We remember you. You are no longer among us, but we carry you always in our hearts. Thank you. Robin. Raven. Cyborg. Starfire. Beast Boy."
The light turned green and Dick drove through the main square. Raven shook her head.
"I can't believe they built a statue for us!"
Dick passed a slow-moving car.
"Yeah. The new mayor built it to increase his approval after the last election. A lot of people here still remember that battle. How many we saved."
Rachel shook her head.
"Some people will do anything for popularity…"
Dick moved back into the other lane.
"Yeah, the new mayor is anti-vigilante. And if rumors are true, he's heavily corrupt. He won't be pleased to see the Titans making a comeback and upset the power balance."
"Well then, he better fall in line and not step on our toes. Otherwise…"
Dick smirked from under his helmet.
"He's on my list. Need to get back our access to crime scenes, the morgue, criminal database and JPD systems, files and intel. I have a lot of work to do…"
"You're not alone anymore. You don't have to do all the work yourself. I can help shoulder it."
They came around the final corner. To their right was Jump City Bay. And sitting on an island in the bay, was Titans Tower. Rachel stared at it. Her heart began beating faster, she felt anxious. Anger, grief, joy, in equal parts as she stared across the bay at Titan's Tower. She remembered all the arguments, all the pain and all the happy times she spent with the other Titans. Dick turned onto the bridge that led to the Tower. A few civilians and drivers stared at them as they turned onto it. As they got halfway across the bridge, they passed a sign that read 'Titans Tower overlook lot. Keep right.'
Rachel looked to the right and saw a parking lot with a few cars in it. It overlooked the bay, and more importantly: Titans Tower. Civilians could just park in the lot and observe Titans Tower like it was a tourist destination. Rachel swore.
"Really?! They built an observation lot too?! We're not zoo animals dammit! We aren't here for your viewing pleasure and entertainment!"
Dick turned his head again.
"Another 'gift' to the people from the mayor. This isn't Bludhaven. Or Gotham. After that last battle we became a pop-culture icon. Just like the Hall of Justice in D.C. They have a gift shop, civilian tours, and the occasional hero meet and greet. Flash museum in Central City is the same way. Like it or not, we're famous here."
Rachel clenched her fists.
"Wonderful…"
They passed the observation lot and all the civilians in the lot stared at them as they drove past the no entry point. Rachel could hear their thoughts.
"More tourists trying to get into the tower…"
"How many people are going to try and get as close as they can?"
"Damn tourists… Think they own the place."
"Wait… Was that…?"
They got to the road that led from the bridge to the Tower. As Dick drove up the hill to the tower, Rachel could hear singing. It was coming from inside her head, except she wasn't the one singing. It was Dick. He was singing mentally. The song came through the psy-link. He continued to sing the first verse.
"I'm coming home
I've been gone for far too long
Do you remember me at all?"
Rachel couldn't help but smile ear to ear. She hadn't heard him sing in years. She could feel his excitement, his anxiety. She felt the adrenaline in him. Rachel knew he had missed the Titans more than he would admit. They meant everything to him, and he would do anything for them. Before he could finish the verse, Rachel sang the rest of it for him.
"Have I fucked things up again?
I'm leaving
Too much time without you spent!"
Dick slightly turned his head in her direction.
"Reading my mind again?"
Rachel smiled under her helmet.
"Always. I haven't heard you sing in years. You should try doing it more often."
He had the trademark smirk on his face from underneath the helmet.
"And risk my brooding nature?"
Rachel couldn't stop smiling.
"Jason has you beat in the brooding department…"
They reached the top of the hill of the island. They were parked just outside the tower. Rachel looked up at it and gasped. Her heart sank.
"By the blood…"
She saw the state of the Tower; windows were broken on higher levels, there was graffiti sprayed on the ground floor, and the grass and ivy had taken over and begun to grow up the tower. Dick brought his leg over the bike and stood up and looked up at the tower. Rachel followed behind. She couldn't take her eyes off the state of the tower. Even Dick was taken back.
"I expected some damage, but not quite this much."
Rachel stared at the upper levels, unable to draw her eyes away.
"This tower used to be a beacon of hope… A promise to the city. That we were here for them. That they were protected… But now? Now it's a dismal monument to the truth; We abandoned them. That not everything lasts forever…"
Dick looked at Rachel, he put a hand on her shoulder.
"We'll get her fixed up, shiny and new. Titans Tower will be a beacon again. The people of Jump City will once again know; We. Are. Here."
She smiled and put her hand on top of his.
"Titans, together- "
Dick finished her sentence.
"-titans, forever."
Rachel removed her eyes from the tower, looking at him for the first time since they arrived at the tower.
"Hooah."
Dick walked forward towards the door of Titans Tower. He looked at the security panel next to the door and began pressing buttons.
"Let's see what we're looking at… Tower security is still active, good… Lockdown is still in effect… No security breaches or alarm trips… Looks like everything is just as we left it."
Dick pinned in the code to the door, and they heard the locks disengage. He pushed open the door and walked into the entry hall of Titans Tower. Rachel followed behind. Then the lights turned red and flashed, an alarm sounded, and a synthesized female voice came over the speakers.
"WARNING! INTRUDER ALERT! INTRUDER ALERT! UNATHORIZED ENTRY!"
Rachel covered her ears to dull the noise. Dick began giving commands to the security system.
"Tower, security override! Activate Echelon Protocol! Access T-01!"
The alarm stopped; the red lights no longer flashed red. The synthesized voice became less hostile and more respective.
"Vocal command recognized. Identity, confirmed. Welcome home, Robin."
Dick shook his head and grumbled.
"Remind me to change that…"
Rachel cracked a grin at hearing him being called Robin.
"Wow, she is way of date."
The synthesized voice picked up on Rachel's voice and comment.
"Voice recognized, identity confirmed, hello Raven."
Rachel looked at the ceiling.
"Hey Tower. It's… Good to hear your voice again."
Dick looked at Rachel.
"Alright, I need to get this place back up and running. Also need to get the power off low power mode, and full power restored. Should take a few minutes."
Dick walked toward the stairs in the corner of the room that led to the basement. Rachel followed him with her eyes.
"Okay, I'm going to head to my room and unpack."
Dick made it to the door that led to the stairs and pushed it open.
"Elevator doesn't have power yet, so you'll have to take the stairs. Or wait."
Rachel shrugged.
"No need."
She outstretched her left hand, magic encased it. She drew a circle and opened a portal. It led to the hallway just outside her room. She looked through the portal and saw the door to her room on the other side. She closed her eyes and stepped through it. The portal closed behind her and she felt the ground under her feet. She slowly opened her eyes and stared at the door in front of her. She touched the electronic panel just next to the door to open it, but nothing happened.
"Oh, right. No power…"
She stood in front of the door waiting for the power to be restored. It felt like she had been waiting for an eternity. She felt her phone vibrate and reached for it excitedly. Her mind immediately jumped to the conclusion that one of the other Titans had sent her a message. She pulled it out and saw she had a text.
"Is it Vic? Or Kori? Please don't be Garfield…"
Then she realized that none of them had her number and her excitement dissipated.
"Stupid Rachel… They don't have my number…"
She swiped the screen and saw Dick had sent her a message; 'Power's on. Should be able to get into your room. Elevator should be working now. Going to drop my bag in my room then go out and grab food. LMK if you want anything.' Rachel looked at the panel next to her door to see it glowing. She reached out to touch the screen but stopped, her hand hovering over the pad. She didn't know if she had the strength to open the door to her old room. It was like reopening an old chapter of her life, one she had closed years ago. She heard the elevator chime, and its door open farther down the hall. Dick had taken it to the same level and was on his way to his room. Rachel exhaled and pressed a few buttons on the touch screen of the panel next to her door. She heard the all too familiar sound of her door hissing as the electronic door slid open. She stepped into her room and turned on the light. It looked exactly like she had left it all those years ago. She could smell the old stale air that hadn't circulated in years. She smiled as she examined everything.
"It's just as I left it… Everything is here…"
She looked around again. The room seemed smaller than she remembered. Maybe she was just taller. Maybe she outgrew her room. Or maybe, her room outgrew her. Rachel walked farther into the room.
"I'm home…"